J-K Govt For Opening Of More Trade Routes: Vohra

25 February 2009The Indian Express

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra on Wednesday said the state government will continue to work with Central government for opening of more trade routes across the Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate more meaningful trade. Some trade activities have been initiated recently across the LoC via check points at Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and Uri in Baramulla district, the Governor said in his address to the joint session of J&K legislature in Jammu. He said the government will work with the Centre for opening more trade routes across LoC by providing effective communication and banking links, simplifying the procedures and easing restrictions on the movement of men and materials. The Governor, who left half-way while addressing the joint session due to disruption by PDP legislators, in his address said out of five working groups constituted under PM's Round Table Conference for various issues pertaining J-K, four have submitted their reports and the state government would urge the Central government to implement these recommendations at the earliest. Referring to the prevailing security situation in the state, he said terror incidents have come down but it should not lead to complacency and at the same time efforts should be made to uphold the human rights of citizens. He also dwelled upon the changes in the state police and strengthening it in terms of manpower, equipment and training to help it progressively take over the complete responsibility of maintenance of law and order in days to come. The Governor also reflected upon the socio-economic problems in the state and assured that schemes would be framed to enhance the pension of widows, handicaps, orphans and elderly. Vohra also assured clearing the backlog of the cases related to compensation in case of militancy-related death and said a one-time compensation of Rs four lakh would be given to the next of the kin of the deceased if they are found ineligible for the government job. The issue of rising unemployment in the state also echoed in his address and he said pro-active efforts would be launched to tackle the problem. The number of registered unemployed has reached 1.06 lakh in the state, he informed. Various issues such as harnessing water resources and generation of power also figured in his speech. He also urged the Central government to expedite the railway links in the state and said the government attaches the highest priority to the issues of women empowerment in all fields of life and shall take steps to provide reservation for women in various elected bodies in tune with the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution of India.